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REAL ID and ME
NOTICE: The Department of Homeland Security has extended the Real ID enforcement deadline. Enforcement will now begin on May 7, 2025. Read the April 27, 2021 statement from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
The standard Maine credentials (driver's licenses and IDs) will be accepted as valid identification for federal purposes, such as entrance to federal facilities and boarding commercial aircraft, through May 7, 2025.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles began issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and State identification cards on July 1, 2019. Any person who desires a Real ID-compliant license or ID can now obtain one at their local BMV office. In addition to the standard license requirements, Real ID applicants must have their photograph taken and provide the following documentation (for a complete list download the REAL ID Checklist), copies of which will remain on file with the BMV:
- One document that establishes identity, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other lawful status in the U.S.
- Provide Social Security Number (card not required) or evidence of Social Security Number ineligibility.
- Two documents to establish proof of residence in the State of Maine, such as a utility bill, paycheck stub or mortgage statement (P.O. Box is not acceptable).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING BIRTH CERTIFICATES: A certified birth certificate is an official government-issued record of a person's birth, printed on security paper and includes an official raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal.
IMPORTANT NAME CHANGE INFORMATION: If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a Real ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.
Those who have a valid license or ID will not be required to renew it prior to its expiration date, unless they choose to do so because they desire/need a Real ID credential. Upon renewal, a person will have the option of getting a Real ID credential or opting out. Those who opt out will be issued a non-REAL ID license. Beginning May 3, 2023, those with non-REAL ID licenses will need to produce a passport or other acceptable identity document for federal purposes that require identification, such as boarding commercial aircraft and accessing secure federal facilities.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, requires changes to state standards, procedures and requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards in order to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government.
No. A REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card is a choice, not a requirement. You do not need a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card to do any of the following:
- Drive
- Vote or register to vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits
- Cash checks
- Rent a vehicle
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID such as a post office
- Purchase alcohol or tobacco
- Access health services
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Appearance - A REAL ID compliant driver's license and identification card will be marked with a gold star symbol on the face of the card. A non-compliant driver's license or identification card will not have the gold star and will have text indicating that is cannot be used for Federal purposes.
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Usage - After May 3, 2023, a non-compliant driver's license or identification card will not be accepted for federal identification purposes such as domestic air travel or access to certain federal facilities.
When you apply for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card you will need to present:
- One document that establishes identity, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other lawful status in the U.S.
- Social Security Number (card not required) or evidence of Social Security Number ineligibility.
- Two documents to establish proof of residence in the State of Maine, such as a utility bill and mortgage statement (P.O. Box is not acceptable).
Only original documents, or documents certified by the issuing agency will be accepted.
If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a REAL ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.
- Non-commercial license, original or renewal (under 65 years of age) - $55.00
- Non-commercial license, original or renewal (65 and older) - $40.00
- Commercial license, original or renewal (under 65 years of age) - $59.00
- Commercial license, original or renewal (65 and older) - $47.00
- Identification card, original or renewal - $30.00
- All duplicate licenses or duplicate identification cards - $30.00
If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a REAL ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.
U.S. and Canadian ports of entry are aware of the State of Maine’s REAL ID waiver and will accept regular, valid Maine license and ID cards for identification purposes at the border, until May 23, 2023. At that time, a regular Maine license or ID will no longer be accepted as a valid form of photo identification.
For U.S. citizens to enter Canada from the U.S. by car, and re-enter the U.S., a REAL ID license or identification card may not be sufficient on its own. You will need to show proof of U.S. citizenship as well as photo identification, contact Customs and Border Patrol for additional information:
- Valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card
- Birth certificate with a valid, government-issued photo ID
- Certificate of naturalization
- U.S. certification of citizenship with a photo ID
- Permanent resident (green) card
- Enhanced ID/license (Note: Maine’s Real ID-compliant credential is NOT an enhanced ID or license. Travelers presenting a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or State identification card are still required to also present proof of citizenship, such as the documents listed above.)
- FastPass
- NEXUS card
During the period of July 1, 2019-Nov. 22, 2019, all non-Real ID-compliant licenses and State IDs displayed the disclaimer language “Not for Real ID purposes.” To alleviate confusion, this language was updated in late November 2019 to read “Not intended for federal purposes.” The disclaimer language does not affect the validity of these credentials – both versions are valid ID for all in-State purposes. The standard (non-Real ID-compliant) Maine license or ID is still valid to complete any transaction in the State of Maine. Beginning May 3, 2023, the federal government will require Real ID-compliant identification for domestic air travel or access to secure federal facilities. However, this will not affect the validity of the non-compliant credential for all other purposes. If you have any questions please call the Driver License Information Unit at 624-9000 ext. 52114..